Stuck in 4x4

[scott-67]

I've had my Explorer for several years now and never experienced any trouble with the 4x4. Last weekend I went to a wedding and had to put it into 4hi bacause of a really bad rain storm and a stretch of steep and rutted dirt road. It went in just fine, and I decided to leave it engaged while parked. I also left it engaged most of the way home, but decided to put it back into 2x when I reached the paved road. Nothing happened. The 4x4 light stayed on, and I heard none of the normal mech noises I've come to expect.

I read through several of the other posts dealing with 4x4 switching problems, but didn't find any that matched this. I will say though that all the talk about blown hubs has me worried. I was hoping this may just be a switch box problem.

I'm stationed on a small island in Italy, and can't say as I trust the local mechs to fix a 4x4 problem on a car that they rarely even see. Can anyone guide me through this?

By the way, great site! I've already learned alot just browsing through here.

Thanks,

 

[TPLYNCH]

Try disconnecting your battery. Sometimes the motor in the t/f case forgets where it is, and resetting the computer can help. Is your front end making noise on the pavement when you are turning?? Does it sound like the 4x4 and hubs are still locked? If you haven't already, check out this site. It has lots of good info. Welcome to the site and best of luck!Dead Link Removed

 

[Dannyboy]

Your hubs are not blown, but your shift motor may be stuck in that position. What may do to fix takes 2 people. One sits in the truck while it is running and pushes the button while the othet wacks the electronic shift motor with a rubber mallet, or a hammer will suffice, The shift motor is under the drivers door on the rear of the transfer case. What you want to hit looks about the size of a can of soda running across the vehicle, if this doesn't do search on how to clean up this electronic motor, but it will take some time.
BEst of Luck

 

[scott-67]

Thanks guys!

It was the shift motor as expected (seems such a vulnerable place to put it). Once I set aside enough daylight time, it only took a few hours to remove, clean, and reinstall. That link to the maintenance site was invaluable. Thanks again. Now to find that door panel I've been looking for...